Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to sister

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.13 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27-28 September 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.1. x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his sister from Culpepper Station. Talks about the boys making fun of a man named Greenleaf who recently arrived in camp. Comments that he likes Greenleaf and finds him an "honest fellow." Tells his sister that she is foolish for thinking of marrying at such a young age. Writes, "Money is not what we should look at in selecting a partner for life. You are foolish girl for thinking of marrying or being engaged so young you had not right to think of it for seven or eight years. You have not fairly got your cloaks off yet."

Diton Phelps enlisted as a private on 15 May 1861. He mustered into "F" Co. PA 35th Infantry. He was mustered out on 11 June 1864 at Harrisburg, PA.

Phelps, Diton, fl. 1861-1864

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources